Seedorf lifts Botafogo to top of Brasileirao

Sao Paulo, June 9 (IANS) A stunning Clarence Seedorf strike helped Botafogo defeat Ponte Preta 2-0 and lifted the Rio de Janeiro club to the top of Brazil's Serie A standings.

The former Netherlands international midfielder gave goalkeeper Roberto no chance Saturday when he turned and volleyed into the bottom corner after Felipe Gabriel's acrobatic backheel was headed goalward by Rafael Marques, reports Xinhua.

Moments later, Seedorf was involved in the second goal when his 36th-minute corner kick was headed in by Antonio Carlos.

"Today we showed the Botafogo that people are accustomed to seeing," Seedorf said.

"The beginning was difficult but we managed to score from a move that we have been practising. The attitude we showed to not let them back into the match was great."

Meanwhile, Flamengo won their first match of the season with a 3-0 victory away to Criciuma while Corinthians could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Portuguesa.